How do I talk about a deal in an interview?

Great question! From my experience, the key is to keep it structured and highlight what you actually did.

I’d suggest using a simple framework like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Start by briefly setting the scene: what kind of deal was it? Who were the parties involved? Then, focus on your role. What specific tasks did you handle? Maybe you built a financial model, drafted a CIM, or conducted market research. Be clear about the value you added, even if you had a junior role.

Most importantly, highlight the impact. Did your analysis influence a key decision? Did you find something that changed the valuation? Even small contributions matter if you frame them well.

So, all in all: Keep it concise, emphasize your role, and be prepared to dive deeper if needed. You got this!

Great points, Natalie! I’d also add that in M&A interviews, demonstrating a solid understanding of the deal process can set you apart.

Beyond just discussing your tasks, try to show how your work fit into the bigger picture. For example, if you built a financial model, how was it used by senior bankers or clients? If you prepared a CIM, what key messaging did you help shape? Recruiters appreciate candidates who not only execute but also understand the ‘why’ behind their work.

Additionally, be ready to discuss challenges you faced and how you handled them—maybe you had to adjust valuation assumptions due to new data or manage competing priorities under tight deadlines. This helps demonstrate problem-solving and adaptability, which are key in investment banking.

Overall, structure is crucial (as Natalie mentioned), but layering in strategic thinking and problem-solving examples can make your answers even stronger!

When discussing an M&A deal, briefly state the type of deal (e.g., sell-side M&A for a tech company), its approximate size, and your bank's role. Then, focus on your specific contributions using action verbs: "I built/updated the financial model (DCF, comps)," "I drafted sections of the CIM/pitch book," "I managed data room documents," or "I conducted industry research." Emphasize the skills you utilized and developed (e.g., financial modeling, Excel, PowerPoint, attention to detail, teamwork) and, if possible, the impact of your work on the deal's progress, while respecting confidentiality.

Hey There!

When discussing a deal in an interview, focus on structuring your explanation clearly and highlighting your personal contributions. Start by briefly setting the context: the industry, the companies involved, and the transaction type. Then describe your specific role and responsibilities, such as building financial models, conducting due diligence, preparing presentations, or analyzing valuation metrics. 

Emphasize the skills you applied, challenges you faced, and how your work impacted the deal or supported the team’s decisions. Avoid going into unnecessary detail on every number; instead, show that you understand the deal mechanics, can communicate insights effectively, and can demonstrate both technical proficiency and business judgment.

Focus on giving a clear, structured overview. Start with the deal type (buy-side or sell-side), the industry, and the size. Then briefly explain the context—why the deal was happening. After that, talk about your specific role: what you worked on (e.g., comps, CIMs, buyer list, model updates), how you added value, and any challenges you helped solve. Wrap it up with the outcome or where the deal stood when you left. Keep it concise but detailed enough to show you understand the process and your contribution.